RPPR Episode 69: Critique of Cthulhu
News: The Killsplosion alpha rules are out! If you contributed to the ransom and selected playtesting as a reward, you should have them.
Synopsis: Call of Cthulhu is an institution of role playing, but few gamers truly appreciate it for what it is. Tom, Caleb and I break down the game mechanics, meta-game issues and themes of the Cthulhu Mythos in order to explain the good, bad and ugly of this venerable game. Many players dismiss Call of Cthulhu as a very rigid and narrowly focused game, but it offers a far richer gaming experience if you know how to play and more importantly run this game right!. Tom also has a letter, shout outs and an anecdote!
Shout outs
- Instant City: A study in urban sprawl, globalization and politics.
- The Tunnel: Freaky horror movie with an urban exploration angle.
- Maniac Mansion 2: A classic adventure game with a twisted sense of humor.
- Horse ebooks: The funniest twitter account in existence. Too many horses. Throw a horse away.
- Fake iphone text: Generate iphone conversations as a handout in games.
- Parker: The Outfit: Hardboiled crime graphic novel. Great art and dialogue.
- Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark: IT IS RUINED FOREVER WTF
- The Movies: A video game about making movies. ACTION
- Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy: Gary Oldman says so much in so few words. Brilliant spy movie.
Music: What A Friend We Have In Cthulhu by the Fump and Cthulhu is my co-pilot by Smart Bomb Radio
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:11:21 — 49.0MB)
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1001 uses for Zombies seminar at Gencon 2011
At Gencon 2011, I ran a seminar on how to use zombies in role playing games – not just as low level enemies to fight but as elements of drama. I also went into how to world build with zombies. They can be used in nearly any genre as enemies, obstacles or even unlikely allies. Enjoy! I’ve also included the two handouts I made for the seminar:
1001 uses for a zombie in role playing games
If you liked this, then perhaps you might be interested in buying my book?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:01:27 — 28.2MB)
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RPPR Episode 68: Phases that are Eclipsed
This episode is sponsored by Audible.com. Sign up today for a free audiobook and 14 day trial!
Synopsis: This episode will begin a new series of episodes, each focusing on a particular game system. This time, we talk about the transhuman sci-fi game, Eclipse Phase. Caleb joins Tom and I to discuss our reactions to reading, playing and running the game. The game can be intimidating at first, especially with the exotic technology and setting. Even once you get used to the game, there are more subtle pitfalls that can unbalance a game.Plus Tom has a letter, shout outs from all three of us and an Eclipse Phase anecdote about robbing a bank ON THE MOON
If you liked this discussion, comment on what game we should talk about next!
Shout outs
- RPPR Minecraft Server: Join us! Just don’t be a douche.
- Eclipse Phase Character Generator: Download the most recent version.
- Eclipse Phase NPC Files: Essential for anyone running a game of EP.
- Spirit of Redemption: Mass Effect serial fanfiction.
- Next Time on Lonny: Hilarious web series that must be seen. Dog Moon told me so.
- Hunger Games – Training Days: A Hunger Games board game.
- Bubbles and Troubles: A Cthulhu Dark scenario written by a RPPR listener. Only 99 cents!
- Drunk and Ugly Podcast: They’re running my campaign Road Trip. If you’re AP fiend, give them a listen!
- You Are Not So Smart: A primer on cognitive biases and pop neuroscience.
- Fright Night: The remake is surprisingly good. Worth watching.
- Glue Some Gears On It: Steampunk is dead. Long live Steampunk.
- Unspeakable! A new episode will be online soon.
- Humble Bundle 4: Get vidya games for cheap and donate to charity.
- Zone One: Life after a zombie apocalypse is not so fun.
Song: DB Pure – Me Ri Tu (Djs From Mars Club Remix)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:29:46 — 61.7MB)
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